Thursday, November 29, 2012

Almost back! Penelope Lane and 25 Days of Pinterest

Hello!

Thanks for stopping by!

I wanted to let everyone know what has been going on and when to expect my return!

I've been having a fantastic time at all of the boutiques, the Queen Bee Market was great... I walked out with 2 primitive signs from Salty Bison and a few orders from Bubba's Basics and a special something for my sister's birthday gift.  I also met a lot of fantastic ladies and became better aquinted with others!  I also resisted the urge to steal borrow Angelas sweet little guy, Preston, and smoother him with kisses!

So, I have my last boutique of the Season this Saturday, here's the info:

Penelope Lane Boutique

I'm really looking forward to it!  I've made some pretty cute, if I do say so myself, Santa Sacks...

 
They're roughly 18"x22" and each one is a little different.  I've also sewn up some fun Chevron stockings, and am crossing everything that I can cross in hopes that the fabric I orderd 3 weeks ago comes in so I can make a few chevron Christmas Tree Skirts! 
 
Here's a 12"x24" Primitive Christmas sign that I made and L-O-V-E...
 
 
I've also been working on more of the NEW Chevy Crossbody Bags - I debuted them at The Queen Bee Market a few weeks back and they sold out, so I made a few more and a few more fun color combos! 

And last, here's a super cute Advent Calendar that will be at Penelope Lane...

 

Is there a better time to buy an Advent Calendar than on the 1st of December?

I'll also have tags, more Christmas Primitive Signs (a glittery Stag - what can be better?), Knit Head Warmers for $10 (knot and flower styles available), the usual Pillow Covers and more Chalkboard vinyl shapes, globes, wooden signs, the prettiest Christmas REVERSIBLE Table Runners and more!

So, I hope I see you there BUT if I don't, check back in on the 1st because I'll be starting my 25 Days of Pinterest!  Do you remember that from last year?  Here's what it is...

I take a project that I've been inspired by from Pinterest and either create something different from the idea or just flat out copy it (I always include my source!) and then I share it with you!  EVERY DAY from the 1st of December to the 25th! 

I hope to see you Saturday!  Either in person or in cyberspace!
Have a great night!
Andrea

Monday, November 5, 2012

I'm Taking Off... And a Boutique List

Good Morning!

Thanks for stopping by!

I'm going to be taking off the next few weeks in preparation for 5 Handmade Boutiques plus the normal Mommy stuff!  Phew!

My sweet sister texted me the other day and asked how I have time to do "all of it" - I feel like if she saw me (unfortunately she lives 10 hours away!) every day, saw the unwashed hair, how often I DON'T shower, the state of my house, the state of my business "office", the amount of products waiting to be photographed and uploaded to my shop, the list of emails that go unanswered for days, the hamper of laundry, the pile of dirty dishes, her crazy-smart-mouthed-yet-adorable nephew that acts out whenever he's not getting enough attention and the "to-do" lists that are strewn all over the house because I constantly lose them(!) she may reazlize that I actually do NOT do "all of it".  Just a moment of total honesty.

Here's my schedule in case you're in the mood to see some pretty amazing handmade products, start your Holiday shopping or just say "hi"!

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Bella Boutique
Thursday, November 8th 9 am-1 pm
Newport Mesa Church
2599 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa

FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION!
Over 25 Vendors!  Across from the Sugarplum Festival - that right, you get 2 boutiques in one location!  Sponsored by MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers)

For more information, please visit:
www.BellaBoutique2012.wordpress.com

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Fellowship of the Pass Craft Fair
Saturday, November 10th 8am-2 pm
Fellowship in the Pass Church 
650 Oak Valley Pkwy, Beaumont, CA 92223
951-845-2693 - Office

FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION!
Come out and support local small businesses and vendors!

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Collective Journey's Lets Wrap Up Christmas
Sunday, November 11th
1755 Orangetree Lane, Redlands CA
Silhouette Demo 11am - 4pm
(909)793-2200

I'll be doing a Silhouette Demo all day!  If you're signed up for Let's Wrap Up Christmas, please stop by my little table!  You can look at all of the fun items you can create with Silhouette Products!


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San Francisco Solano MOPS Holiday Boutique
Wednesday, November 14th 6-9 pm (I'll be here!)
Thursday, November 15th 9:30-noon
San Francisco Solano Church
22082 Antonio Pkwy
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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The Queen Bee Market
Friday, November 16th 4-9 pm
$5 Entrance Fee
Saturday, November 17th 9 am-3 pm
$2 Entrance Fee
 Sheraton Carlsbad
5480 Grand Pacific Drive, San Diego CA

Over 50 Vendors with AMAZING products, everything from Children's products, Jewelry, Home Decor, Holiday Decor and Products, Accessories and so much more!  There is a Crafty Girls Night Out on Friday night with a ton of fun make-n-takes sponsored by Basic Grey and so many more!

www.thequeenbeemarket.com
Find The QBM on Instagram #QBM

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Penelope Lane Boutique
Saturday, December 1st 9am-3pm
Old Ranch Country Club
3901 Lampson Ave, Seal Beach CA
 $1 Admission, FREE PARKING

Over 50 Amazing Vendors with tons of Holiday Decor, Accessories, Holiday Gift Items, Hair Products, Paper Products, Jewelry and so much more!

http://penelopelaneboutique.blogspot.com/

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If you mention this post at ANY of these boutique, you'll get a little goody! 

Thanks for understanding!  I've been struggling with time management - lack of time management for everything that is important in my life (Family, Home, Business) and I feel like posting is the best time-fiend to do away with until after the crazy boutique crush!  I'll check back in periodically to share new items, but that's it for now!  My family and sanity thank you for your understanding!

Have a great few weeks!
Andrea

 



Thursday, November 1, 2012

Fall means... soup! Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Good Morning! 

Thanks for stopping by today! 

It's been fall for a little while and, even though we live in So. Cal and Fall is really more of a myth, fable, urban legend than something that happens, I decided to take advantage of the cooler temps (80's-90's - burrr) and made... soup!  Yep, SOUP!

I googled "Chicken Tortilla Soup" and saw a recipe by Ree Drumond aka The Pioneer Woman so I printed it out and got all excited...

Here it is!  It was so yummy, the photo doesn't do it justice so let me share Ree's photo...


There it is!  That picture does it just, so now here's the recipe so you can go out, grab all of the ingredients and prepare this tonight!  You'll be happy you did!

Chicken Tortilla Soup by The Pioneer Woman


Ingredients

  • 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 cup Diced Onion
  • 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
  • 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
  • 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
  • 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 4 cups Hot Water
  • 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
  • 3 Tablespoons Cornmeal Or Masa
  • 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
  • _____
  • FOR THE GARNISHES:
  • Sour Cream
  • Diced Avocado
  • Diced Red Onion
  • Salsa Or Pico De Gallo
  • Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Cilantro

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.
Mix cornmeal with a small amount of water. Pour into the soup, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.
Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and grated cheese, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)

Have a great night and eat some soup!  Tonight, Albondigas is on the menu!  I'll give out that recipe soon!
Andrea

PS - I'll be at The Saddleback Covenant Church Market this Saturday, November 3rd so please stop by!